Yes, we welcome students pending space and class configurations throughout the school year!

Children transferring to IWS in the lower grades are usually up to grade level in reading, math, and basic academic skills. Students new to Waldorf education may experience a learning curve with bodily coordination skills, Spanish speaking, artistic activities, cursive handwriting, listening skills, and public speaking. We have found that students quickly embrace and enjoy these additional subjects as they are supported by teachers and classmates.

String ensembles are a regular part of our music program, typically starting in 3rd grade.. Private music lessons on a string instrument (violin, viola, cello) are required for all IWS students beginning in the 3rd grade and continuing through 8th grade. Financial support for lessons and instrument rental is available for eligible families for the first two years of their ensemble experience. Please inquire about the process.

As soon as you are ready to apply! We do encourage you to take a parent tour (virtually or in-person) to decide if IWS is right for your child(ren) and your family!

We accept applications on a rolling basis and do not have an admissions deadline. However, if you are applying for Financial Assistance, the earlier you apply for the following school year, the greater the available award. Returning families submit their Financial Assistance applications for the upcoming school year by February of that same year.

We strive to make Waldorf education accessible to all who seek it. In addition to Early Bird (contract-signing) discounts, we offer sibling discounts (15% and 40% respectively for the 2nd and 3rd sibling). Tuition remission is available for employees, and the financial assistance process is open to all families. Additionally, parents may choose various payment plan options (payment in full, twice annually, or 10 payments from June-March).

If you are in need of a bus, please contact the Transportation Services office for your residence’s school district. Please note that unfortunately, the earliest morning bus would not arrive at IWS until 9:30am. School begins at 8:30am.

Transportation Services: Ithaca: (607) 274-2128 Dryden: (607) 844-4221 Trumansburg: (607) 287-5610

We have students transfer to IWS in every grade–even 8th. In every grade and subject, teachers are prepared to support students in their adjustment to a new learning environment.

Children transferring to IWS in the lower grades are usually up to grade in reading, math, and basic academic skills. However, they might experience a learning curve with bodily coordination skills, Spanish speaking, artistic activities, cursive handwriting, listening skills, and public speaking.

String ensembles and orchestra are a regular part of our music program from 3rd grade on. Private music lessons on a string instrument (violin, viola, cello) are required for all IWS students beginning in the 3rd grade and continuing through 8th grade.

Early Childhood: We request that the daily experience of the young child not include exposure to electronic media and technology, including computers and cell phones and other hand-held devices/screens. We understand that this may be difficult to honor without fail. Nevertheless, we ask that parents affirm their commitment to expose their young child to media and screen time as little as possible.

Grades: Some families at the Ithaca Waldorf School (IWS) value a screen-free childhood, as do many Waldorf educators. We understand some families are drawn to IWS despite its commitment to a tech-free childhood and that technology meets a social and/or creative need.

Screen time for grades children should be guided by parents, supervised, and limited. We understand families may use technology for the options below. When the above conditions are met and a student is participating in the school day appropriately, we support their usage for:

Remote art or music lessons

Family meetings via Zoom/Skype/Meet/FaceTime

Family movies nights and nature documentaries, when viewed together with conversation

Our Early Childhood classes follow daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms that offer rhythm and a reassuring structure to our youngest students. Each day includes time outside, an artistic activity, free play, practical work, circle time, a shared meal, and more time outdoors.

Our Grades students begin the day with a two-hour main lesson, taught in multi-week blocks so that classes can delve deeply into a subject. IWS also has multiple Specialty classes including Spanish, Movement and Games (PE), Handwork, Farm and Land Stewardship, General & String Ensemble. Skill practice periods with the Main Lesson teacher round out the day, which also includes snack, lunch and multiple outdoor recesses. The grade school week incorporates daily cleaning periods when our students learn to tend our shared environment.

No. While we value the development of the soul and spirit of the child as well as the intellectual and physical capacities, we do not adhere to any religious belief system. Our students hear fairytales and myths from various cultures and go on to study many of the world’s religions.